variants
also alarum
1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
observed with alarm the man staggering toward the edge of the cliff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warning
the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk
in a daring midnight ride Paul Revere gave the alarm that British troops were approaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
filled with alarm when the flood waters reached their front steps
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also alarum
1
as in to scare
to strike with fear
I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to concern
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of alarm
Cari Shane,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Paramilitary attacks on a strategic city of a half-million people in central Sudan have raised international alarm that another round of mass violence against civilians is being planned as the country's war surges into its fourth year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Ilana Arougheti
june 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Reflect Orbital’s plans also alarmed the Royal Astronomical Society, which said each beam could be four times brighter than the full moon, with the overall system potentially making the night sky three to four times brighter.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alarm
Noun
Adams’ alarm, Hattem says, came from a shift in how that dream was broadcast.
—
Cari Shane,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Paramilitary attacks on a strategic city of a half-million people in central Sudan have raised international alarm that another round of mass violence against civilians is being planned as the country's war surges into its fourth year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Verb
The 2023 property tax valuation cycle — and to a lesser extent, the 2024 and 2025 cycles — have been the subject of widespread outrage in Jackson County, with skyrocketing property values alarming homeowners and business owners alike.
—
Ilana Arougheti
june 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Reflect Orbital’s plans also alarmed the Royal Astronomical Society, which said each beam could be four times brighter than the full moon, with the overall system potentially making the night sky three to four times brighter.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for alarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alarm
Noun
-
Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
-
The long and painful rehab would have interfered with his writing; the dread of leaving behind an incomplete manuscript outweighed the benefit of a few extra months.
Noun
-
San Joaquin County officials have confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus this season, sparking warnings for residents to protect themselves and prepare their homes.
-
The only public indication of an impending launch was the release of a warning for pilots and sailors to steer clear of the rocket’s flight path.
Noun
-
As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
-
Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.
Verb
-
Don’t be scared by his blue eyes.
-
The intent of the letters isn’t to scare people, but to educate them about water stewardship, Talbott said.
Verb
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On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
-
One of the increasingly concerning threats is drones, which can be piloted remotely and are difficult to disable.
Noun
-
Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
-
Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
-
As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
-
In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.
Verb
-
But her outbursts frightened the children too.
-
What frightened me most was what might happen to my children.
Cite this Entry
“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alarm. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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